NMAP

Wike, Fubara: Facing the Storms of Political Godfatherism and Structure By Tunde Temionu

Owing to the dictatorial nature and unconstitutional tendencies of godfatherism and political structure, many people see the duo as barriers to the free flow of democracy. But in practical politics, both work hand in glove as the cardinal elements that influence the relevance of politicians.
Suffice it to say that every typical and successful politician is the political offspring of a godfather and a political structure. But, the cruel irony is the common desire of godsons (particularly governors) to seize power after tasting the luxury and power of the gains of political godfatherism and structure.
In politics, “structure” is like a movement. It is to political pathfinders (godfathers) what a mechanic workshop is to a haulage company. Such a metaphorical workshop is not only a maintenance hub; it is the brainbox and a pillar of the movement. Political structure is also important machinery that visionary and cautious politicians will never handle with levity.
From experience, do you know that a power-hungry politician will take the death of his child as an act of God, but he will consider any move to tamper with his political structure as perfidy and a serious challenge? And that could trigger his provocation to the highest degree of bitterness?
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has accused his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of burning down the hallowed chambers of the entire State Assembly! In addition, the Minister placed emphasis on the Governor’s failure to report the case of an attempted impeachment to him before his (Fubara) alleged negative actions. The Minister further accused the Governor of promoting ethnicity.
These accusations are certainly not beyond what the governor and his godfather could iron out if crises-promoters were not at work. From a personal point of view, in this circumstance, if Wike’s intention, as a godfather-cum-structure owner, was to protect his political machinery, where has he gone wrong? As politics will have it, Wike and his godson Fubara are on the coattails of political godfatherism and structure. Therefore, comments on the issue should be carefully based on fairness and politically related antecedents.
Politics is characterized by rivalry, ingratitude, desperation and selfishness. “Politics” can be defined as a struggle among actors pursuing conflicting desires on issues that may result in an authoritative allocation of values–(Dyke,1960). Meaning that, one cannot get absolute loyalty from co-actors and rivals. And since there is no trust, you cannot take anyone for granted. So, godfathers are risk takers who are also ready for any eventuality.
Under a cohesive political atmosphere, the beneficiaries of godfatherism and structure have their power-limitations. But, the power of governors, as godsons, is challenging and prone to confrontational ego. In this context, the office and position of a governor also comprise all the instruments needed for perfidious surprises and forceful takeover. In addition, political mercenaries and fair-weather friends are tactically burning the night candle for the governor to squeeze the trigger of crisis so that their evil business can boom.
With the selfish advice from the promoters of crises, Governors are tempted to take over the leadership that installed them, and also build their own structures. The venture usually costs some governors their plump jobs. And some who succeed usually managed to work under serious political trepidation and uncertainty.
It is a known fact that Wike godfathered Fubara amidst detractors and political foes who were vehemently opposed to Fubara’s emergence. Like other governors, and in line with Nigerian politics, Fubara is at liberty to build his own structure and become a godfather. But he should also be ready to face the consequences of structure alteration.
In a similar vein, Wike, as a godfather and owner of a formidable political structure in Rivers State, is also at liberty to resist being ousted, and protect his political base. Especially so, when he observed that Gov. Fubara was wittingly wining and dining with enemies to the detriment of his structure!
For now, Wike and Fubara are facing the storm of political godfatherism and structure. Based on a retrospective study of Nigerian politics, Wike will be doing a disservice to himself if he fails to defuse any force that could have an adverse impact on the structure that catapulted him to Abuja to become the Minister of the FCT. Therefore, he struck to test the potency of the political structure that he left behind for Gov Fubara to manage.
Some people are saying that, Wike also enjoyed the structure of his godfather, and they also want to know the present relationship between him and his then godfather. Other people who know Wike and Rivers State politics are looking at him from the premise of his political antecedence. Although he enjoyed the structure of godfatherism, this was mostly at the local government level as a council chairman.
Wike has been a vociferous political team-player and a rugged fighter in Rivers State politics. He forced the Rivers State strongman, Rotimi Amaechi to step aside. He is also a political pathfinder. He maintained his structure for the benefit of all and sundry.
The records are there. Wike’s structure transcends Rivers State. He godfathered many governors. When he withdrew his structure from the fold of the People Democratic Party (PDP), the party fell and broke its knees.
He took over the leadership of the state and became the governor through a collective political struggle, and not by any conspicuous godfather. Unless the otherwise happens, Wike is in good terms with his leaders and political associates in River State.
Today, some people in that state are selfishly fueling crises, in the name of leadership, son of the soil or opinion leader. When were they that close to and sympathetic with Fubara? One believes that they are not oblivious of the fact that the ill wind of crisis does nobody any good. This class of people can achieve their objectives in a more harmonious atmosphere, rather than creating a politically discord environment.
Wike is not eyeing any position in Rivers State, and he is also aware that his tenure as governor of that state had ended. Notwithstanding, his tenure as the godfather of the existing structure in Rivers State is not over.
Political godfatherism and structure are ubiquitous and not new in party politics.. For instance, there is a common reference to godfatherism in the United States, that: “A number of Republican Congressmen were elected on Bush’s coattails.”
Similarly, in Nigeria, Malam Aminu Kano, was the godfather and owner of the political structure that produced Balarebe Musa, and Alhaji Rimi as governors of Kaduna and Kano States respectively. The Malam influenced the impeachment and subsequent removal of the two governors because of their attempts to alter his political structure. In a similar vein, the cases of Ladoja and Adedibu in Oyo State, Chris Uba and Ngige, in Anambra, Dariye and Mantu in Plateau State were also godson and structure alteration related.
The crisis in Rivers State needs to be resolved. It is those who know the roles and importance of godfatherism and structure in politics that can do justice to this matter. Those who are blessed with native intelligence and fair judgment can also be of help.
Fubara, will need a more peaceful political environment to run a public-friendly and trepidation free government. Sacking all the beneficiaries of the structure in Rivers State is not the solution to the present crisis. The governor’s new friends and sympathisers should also give peace a chance. You cannot know or love the son more than his father. Above all, the issue is political, and will therefore need to be addressed with political wisdom. Tunde Temionu, a public affairs analyst wrote via: [email protected]

NEC: “Tinubu Must not Fail”
By Tunde Temionu.

Every president has a style of governance. Some are transparent and others opaque. Obviously, from common understanding, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s style of administration involves collective responsibility. This will of course boost his effort to offer good governance.

Among other things that many of us know about the President is that he does not claim a monopoly over wisdom. Suffice it to say that during his campaign, he vowed to deliver good governance with the synergy of competent men and women among the best brains in Nigeria. Hence the birth to the National Economic Council (NEC).

The council comprises mostly Governors, Senators, and has the Vice President, Sen. Shettima Kashim, as its chairman.. The pedigree of the membership makes the council look like a pillar of strength to Tinubu’s Administration. Hopefully, the council should therefore strive to recommend people oriented policies that will ameliorate hardship. All of these and a high level of proficiency in governance are Nigerians’ innermost expectations.

Therefore, the slogan “Tinubu Must Not Fail” should be the watchword for NEC. In commerce that is driven by singleness of purpose and a public-friendly economy, subsidies and palliatives always bring glory to governments. Anything to the contrary brings condemnation to governments.

For instance, if the pump price of petrol is N200 and (for the common man to partake of God’s oil gift to Nigerians) a caring government places 25% subsidy on it, for the final consumers to pay N150 that government will consecutively rule Nigeria for a hundred years. This is tenable only if the ruling elite in the Oil and Forex businesses rethink.

Bad enough, in a battered and distressed economy like ours, palliatives and subsidies bring hardship to the ordinary man. Meaning that NEC will need to look at the larger economy and make recommendations that will have a positive impact on fuel pump price and currency exchange rate. Otherwise, no palliative can measure up to the people’s yearning for a better life.
These are the two major causes of our economic hardship. Unless they are imperatively addressed with all sincerity, food-distribution palliatives and cash transfer of any kind may not yield enough positive result. Although in his wisdom, the President has revisited the controversial palliative package of N8,000 each to 15million families, the NEC has settled for cash transfer through State General Social Registers.

In the first instance, both the national and the state social registers covered only some fortunate Nigerians; the others will surely be excluded from the scheme. In the second instance, the difference between the National Social register and the State Generated Social Register is their scope. Based on experiences, it can never be beneficial to all concerned because the arrangement is prone to irregularities and corruption.

Furthermore, those odds that crippled the nationally-driven cash-transfer by the last regime may do the worst to the state-driven transfers.
The Udoji oil boom award is not very recent, but we cannot easily forget its negative inflationary spiral!. Furthermore, the proposed tax-free six-month cash-award policy for public servants as a part of the palliative arrangements may have a higher inflation impact than the former.

The palliative innovation is prudent. But for the people to enjoy the dividends of palliatives, and to make their endurance worthwhile, all of these monies should be put into collective agriculture and transportation while the endurance last. Certainly, with effective supervision, in about eight months’ time, the people will appreciate this government more than the palliatives that cannot go round..
In addition, we are aware of the security challenges faced by our farmers. Should we increase our military personnel, restore discipline among them and make then participate fully in the said collective agriculture, bandits and kidnappers will think twice before confronting military men in their farm settlements. This administration will need to imperatively make a headway in its palliative strategies. Above all, ‘Tinubu must not fail’.

EU: A Symbolic Electoral Umpire or Observer?
By Tunde Temionu.

People no longer hide their feelings as to whether the European Union Election Observer’s (EU) controversial report on President Tinubu’s 2023 electoral victory has political undertones or not.
Many people are looking at the report from the perspectives of balanced information, precision, and fairness. They also see the EU as a symbolic electoral umpire or observer; and therefore, probably have no reason to doubt its neutrality.

Whether you want to comprehend it from the perspective of an observer or umpire, the EU is saddled with a limited and symbolic electoral assignment and authority. Meaning that with or without the EU, elections will still be held. And differences emanating from elections fallout will be resolved internally, without the EU.
Although the role of the EU is significant and very important, its report on Nigeria’s general election could not have simultaneously covered the 774 local governments in Nigeria. Moreover, with the security challenges in Nigeria during that election its scope was limited to very secure areas.
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No nationality can sincerely claim to love Nigeria more than Nigerians. Experience has also shown that elections conducted by human beings can never be a hundred percent perfect. We thank and appreciate the EU for its observations and love for Nigeria. Regarding the 2023 presidential election fallout, Nigeria has taken the right step. So, on the verdict of the judiciary, we stand. Hence we shall want to be left alone.

The Forex/Fuel Debacle: Tinubu as Common man’s Last Hope ---- Tunde Temionu.

Owing to the recently deregulated exchange rates for the naira, Nigeria’s currency, and fuel prices, the Forex, and Oil Sectors selfishly inflicted great economic hardship on the ordinary citizens of the country. President Tinubu’s swift move to ameliorate the hardship is an indication that he cares. But, in reaction, these sectors, cleverly bypassed the President’s move, and intensified the excruciating hardship against the common man.
The readers will recall that these same Forex and Oil sectors were largely responsible for the low score cards of most of the previous administrations. The ordinary man strongly believes that, with President Tinubu, our tomorrow will be hopefully better than today. Hence many Nigerians conditionally believe in the President’s clarion call for the voiceless masses to temporarily endure the hardship, and face the challenges ahead.
Although the poor masses have no option but to endure the hardship, those who are responsible for our predicament are flaunting their ill-gotten wealth and freely walking the streets with impunity. To ensure fair play, the poor masses want these culprits to justly suffer the consequences of their actions along with the common man.
By the first twenty days of Tinubu’s Presidency, one could confidently confirm that he was not only fully prepared for the job, but he also had the know-how.
But unfortunately, these two cruel sectors (Forex and Oil) are at it again. They are determined to decisively deal with the ordinary man, and bring down this new administration.
Nigerians are providers of basic economic needs for their families. So, they are yearning for a free flow of competitive economy that is characterized by commerce and human-friendly policies,
Based on our economic culture, certainly, no amount of palliatives can satisfy individual’s economic needs. Moreover, experience has shown that, no matter the juiciness of a palliative package, in the Nigerian context, palliative is always prone to corruption where those in charge, divert the pall iatives. And since the last hope of the ordinary man is placed on President Tinubu, he will therefore need to urgently address the exchange rate and fuel price debacles before push comes to shove.
“Tinubu Must Not Fail” should be the watchword for the newly constituted Economic Committee. So, to whom much is given, much is expected. Suffice it to say that President Tinubu did not tell Nigerians that he has a monopoly of wisdom. Rather, he promised to do the job by tapping the knowledge of able men and women among the best brains in Nigeria ---a strategy he clearly demonstrated during his Chatham house outing.
The Committee as an economic think-tank for President Tinubu’s administration will need to apply its rare wisdom and expertise to the management of economic crises to combat this two-in-one evil (Forex and Oil sectors) that is expecting its pound flesh from the poor masses

Nigeria: Oil Sector as Public Enemy --- Tunde Temionu

With the present economic predicaments, fuel subsidy would have been the best economic palliative for the common man, if sincerely managed. But unfortunately, the public-friendly exercise was used negatively against the ordinary man by the fuel-subsidy lords and public enemies.

Hence, the people’s second thoughts on the fuel subsidy palaver. Apart from those benefiting illicitly from the fuel-subsidy debacle, the public is fully in support of subsidy removal. Thus, all the presidential candidates had promised to prioritize the removal of fuel subsidy.

Although many people are yet to get down to the nitty-gritty of fuel subsidy, the exercise encompasses absolute oppression, desperation and callousness. As a result, and based on public opinion, it will be a disservice for President Bola Tinubu to retain the fuel subsidy.

But unfortunately, the get-rich -quick attitude of the members of the concerned oil sector gave the episode a negative picture; notwithstanding, the masses are in full support of the president’s action. Therefore, the oil sector should be held responsible for whatever hardship and damage their misconduct caused Nigerians.

Tactically, the subsidy lords deceptively want the public to believe that their swift and inconsiderate implementation of the removal (without prior notice), was a presidential order. In their characteristics, immediately after the president said “fuel subsidy is gone”, they struck! And the masses were thrown into confusion and economic trepidation.

Notwithstanding, wise men know that the abrupt implementation was scripted by the gods of fuel subsidy. It was probably meant to sabotage the president’s effort to build a new economic structure for Nigeria: blackmail the new administration into the retention of fuel subsidy, to enable them to tenaciously hold on to oil power.

The pump price, which is ironically under the absolute control of the oil sector, is an economic determiner. Meaning that, our economy is inadvertently at the mercy of some powerful members of the oil sector. It is a system that may heartlessly turn the subsidy into a permanent yoke around the neck of the common man. It is a dangerous and sensitive matter that needs to be handed with utmost care.

For instance, the adverse consequences of these fuel subsidy handlers’ interpretation of the President’s inaugural speech on the 29th of May 2023 linger on. Unless the situation is properly managed, the sector’s man’s-inhumanity-to-man attitude to the speech may continue to create tension in all the sectors of our polity.

If a country is hit below the belt by a necessary evil (the subsidy lords), the poor masses suffer the excruciating pain. By way of exploitation, the sector is absolutely in control of the oil mechanism, particularly the pump-price. Suffice it to say that the industry is the grand-architect of the incessant hardship of the poor masses in this country.

The sector pivoted its claim for its lack of public-friendly conducts on one of the preambles (“fuel subsidy is gone”) in the president’s inaugural speech. The oil sector’s failure to wait for the body of that topic to enable Nigerians to prepare their minds for the highest pump-price increase in the history of petroleum product marketing is a serious crime against the people!

“fuel subsidy is gone” is a topic, indicating an intention. It is also a piece of information that a law or an order is in the making. While Nigerians were waiting for the body of that topic, the sector went on to hatch its premeditated and opaque fuel-price increase.



Inaugural speeches are more of proposals than fiats. So the President’s inaugural speech was to further confirm his campaign promises and intimate the people with his programme.

After all, the president will need the legislative approval for some of his plans, and some will need consultation. So for the oil sector to have based its action on the president’s intentions or metaphorical expression is against the interest of the people.

Although one is not oblivious of the multipurpose nature of inaugural- speeches, should that of President Bola Tinubu be formally proclaimed a government policy on fuel subsidy, it would have been explicitly emphasized. So, “subsidy is gone” in that speech is more of a preamble than a presidential fiat. Let us call a spade a spade, the subsidy lords took the nation for granted.

Tinubu: Does the 29th May Swearing-in Make Sense?

From the look of things, the Judiciary may find it impossible to dispose of the petitions against the President–elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, before his inauguration on the 29th of May 2023.
Those who strongly believe that the swearing-in project (if tackled with single minded determination), will pave the way for a new beginning want the project actualised.
But those who share the same opinion with our spiritual father, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, do not believe in the project because it does not make sense to them. Although our political norms, ethnicity and religion inclined some people to work against Tinubu, he is well-loved by Nigerians.
Certainly, President Mohammadu Buhari will leave office on May 29th 2023. So, it becomes a topic of general interest for those who are conditionally against the swearing-in project to educate us on a better option that could aid dynamism and peaceful coexistence after President Buhari’s tenure.
Contrary to popular opinion, (In favour of the swearing-in project), some classes of Nigerians are saying that it makes sense not to swear-in the president-elect on the 29th of May because of the petitions against him in court. How popular is their opinion?
Do we subject our great country to interregnum, interim government, or move our great country forward by swearing-in the President- elect as scheduled, and allow the judiciary to continue with its own work? Our prudent comments are in search of what really make sense.

NMAP LAGOS CHAPTER: After a tactical committee meeting, they held their new year party to mark the commencement of the first phase of a three-week grassroots mobilising project.